Interesting LA Times article on new emerging heavyweights May 1986

Yes, Cooper came out of nowhere to bring excitement to two divisions. He was certainly overlooked.

I first saw him on ESPN in 1985 when he starched Cedric Parsons, who was favored, in under a round.

 

Damiani was the first WBO Heavyweight Champion. . . the other belts were held that Tyson kid so it did much publicity.

 

Cooper like Biggs lost out to drugs . . . yet another case of what might have been . . ,

 

Tyson did stand out but I wondered at the time if he was matched to look more spectacular than he actually was. Then he fought Ribalta and Green and proved he could do the rounds and still stay on top. A crucial turning point. The way he was moved along, with no expense spared, fighting every two weeks against increasing level of useful, but ultimately safe opponents, would have benefited all of the other prosprcts too.

Biggs fought less often but against more tough guys who came to fight. Tillis, Simms, Snipes and Bey. They were all trying to kick his a$$! Tyson did not fight as many guys who tried to kick his as$. Even as champ. I dont know if it was his Philly background but Biggs made a war out of each of those fights with Tillis, Simms, Snipes and Bey. They were hard fights.

 

Yes I agree. The talent was there and it was brought out of Tyson perfectly.

A heavily financed, well matched fighter stands more chance of making his full potential than another prospect fighting less often who takes whatever journeyman available.

More homework went into an eventual champions opponent selection than people realise. It's no accident that of a bunch of touted prospects the champion among them is often the one who winds up getting the best matchmaking on the way.

It's necessary that great fighters who make it to their full potential. Marciano, Ali and Joe Louis. A crucial factor in any fighter achieving maximum potential is excelent matchmaking.